4+1 Master of Public Administration
Already a Florida Southern student who wants to shape communities? Start your MPA during your senior year and earn both your bachelor's and your MPA in about five years, saving time and money along the way.
New to the 4+1 model? See how accelerated programs work, including eligibility and tuition savings, on the Accelerated Program Options page.
The Same MPA Degree, Started Early
A Master of Public Administration prepares you to lead effectively, influence policy, and drive meaningful change across the public and nonprofit sectors, in careers from city management and policy analysis to nonprofit leadership and public finance.
The 4+1 path leads to the same Master of Public Administration as our traditional degree program, with the same 30-credit-hour curriculum, faculty, and culminating thesis or internship. As a qualified FSC undergraduate, you begin graduate coursework in your senior year, so the master's takes about one additional year rather than two.
The Early Credits
As a 4+1 student you may complete up to 8 credit hours of graduate coursework during your senior year, billed at the undergraduate rate and counting toward both degrees.
4+1 Admission Requirements
The 4+1 MPA path is for current Florida Southern undergraduates. Students are encouraged to apply during their junior year. To be eligible, you must have:
- At least 93 completed credit hours at the start of the program
- A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Approval from the MPA program director
Your application includes a completed application, a current resume, a personal statement (see the prompt online), and a letter of recommendation.
How 4+1 Billing and Financial Aid Work
Graduate courses taken before your bachelor's degree is awarded are billed at the applicable undergraduate tuition rate. Courses taken after graduation are billed at the current graduate per-credit-hour rate. Undergraduate financial aid remains available until you graduate, and graduate financial aid becomes available once you complete your undergraduate degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 4+1 Master of Public Administration is an accelerated program that lets you earn both a bachelor's degree and an MPA in as little as five years.
You must be enrolled as an undergraduate at Florida Southern, maintain a strong academic record, and meet the prerequisite coursework appropriate for graduate-level public administration study. Apply during your junior year, once you've earned about 93 credit hours.
Current FSC undergraduates should talk with their academic advisor about enrolling. Students are typically eligible to apply once they've completed 93 credit hours.
You begin graduate-level MPA courses during your senior year. Some count toward both your undergraduate and graduate degrees, which is what lets you accelerate.
You save time and tuition by earning two degrees in five years, graduate with advanced leadership and policy skills sought in the public and nonprofit sectors, transition seamlessly without a separate application cycle, and build credentials early for leadership roles in government and nonprofit organizations.
Undergraduate financial aid applies while you're enrolled as an undergraduate. After you earn your bachelor's, you become eligible for graduate financial aid. For details, contact the Financial Aid Office.
Graduates pursue roles in city and county government, nonprofit leadership, public policy, community development, and public service organizations at the local, state, and federal levels.
Yes. The program emphasizes ethical leadership, public policy analysis, organizational management, and strategic decision-making, preparing you to lead effectively in public and nonprofit settings.
Florida Southern's nationally ranked Career Services offers personalized career coaching, networking opportunities, and employer connections, and faculty mentors provide individualized guidance throughout the program and beyond.
Get in Touch
Ready to start early? Talk with the Adult and Graduate Admissions about the 4+1 path.
Julie Lester
Associate Professor of Political Science, MPA Program Director
- 863.680.4970
- jlester@flsouthern.edu
- Edge - 234A